With Northern Michigan in the midst of colder weather, some Northern Michigan plumbers are weighing in, with some winter weatherization tips to save you headaches in the future.
Scott Fagerman, a plumber with Maveric Mechanical and Plumbing in Cadillac, said one of the biggest concerns with the colder temperatures are pipes freezing, which can eventually cause flooding after the pipes thaw, expand and burst.
He also recommended following any “run water advisories” and making sure you have a pencil thick stream flowing from the faucet. He says it will help the pipes from freezing on you.
Fagerman said it’s critical to make sure your house is warm.
“A big thing is making sure there’s no drafts on pipes like some of these older basements, cobblestone basements, or even just a basement that might have, you know, a crack in the foundation. You’re going to get some wind through there. And if it’s blowing on your pipes, it can freeze up pretty quick, faster than you think,” said Fagerman.
Fagerman also recommended making sure you remove snow from chimneys and vents on the side of your house. That can impact your ability to heat your home. He also said it’s a good idea to keep any furniture away from heating vents in your home, as well.